“We will not tolerate attacks on our communities, and we will not leave until long-term security is ensured,” Zamir said.
By The IDF Club
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the 36th Division operating in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, where he conducted a situational assessment and met with senior commanders amid ongoing tensions along the northern front.
During the visit to the Taybeh area, Zamir was joined by Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, Ground Forces commander Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan, and division commander Brig. Gen. Yiftach Norkin, along with brigade and battalion commanders. He received operational briefings, issued directives for continued operations, and spoke with officers engaged in fighting on the ground.
Zamir praised the troops, describing the current campaign as a “historic war” marked by exceptional leadership. “You are managing exemplary battles,” he said, adding that the generation of commanders fighting today reflects a level of heroism not seen since Israel’s War of Independence.
Addressing the broader conflict, Zamir emphasized the link between Hezbollah and Iran, saying Israel has significantly degraded Iran’s military industry, including capabilities used to supply weapons to the Lebanese terror group. “Hezbollah draws its strength from Iran. We have struck Iran hard,” he said.
The chief of staff stressed a shift in Israel’s approach to border security. “We will not allow a terror army to exist on our borders. There is no containment; there is action,” he said, vowing that any threat to Israeli communities or IDF forces would be removed.
His remarks come against the backdrop of repeated Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire, including drone launches and rocket fire toward Israeli forces and northern communities. The IDF has responded with ongoing airstrikes and ground operations aimed at degrading the group’s capabilities and preventing further attacks.
Zamir said the military has achieved the objectives set by Israel’s political leadership in both Lebanon and the broader campaign against Iran, creating conditions for ongoing diplomatic efforts. However, he made clear that operations on the ground will continue.
“In Lebanon, our mission is to hold the line that prevents direct fire on Israeli communities. We have achieved that, and we may be required to remain there,” he said. “We will not tolerate attacks on our communities, and we will not leave until long-term security is ensured.”
He added that despite diplomatic developments, “on the battlefield there is no ceasefire,” and troops will continue to act against both direct and indirect threats, including beyond the immediate frontline when necessary.
“Any threat, anywhere, whether beyond the security line or north of the Litani River, will be removed,” Zamir said, underscoring that forces retain freedom of action to strike terrorist infrastructure and eliminate operatives.
The visit also included a meeting with the head of the Mevo’ot Hermon Regional Council, as Zamir expressed appreciation for both the troops and the public’s support during recent Memorial Day and Independence Day events.
“We will continue to fight and win,” he said.
